High Court Rules UK Government's Ban on Palestine Action Unlawful

On February 10, 2026, the UK High Court ruled that the government's proscription of the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization was unlawful and disproportionate. The court found that the ban constituted a significant interference with the rights to freedom of expression and assembly, which are protected under UK law. The ruling is a setback for the government led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which has faced criticism for its handling of the situation.

The Guardian

The High Court's decision highlighted that while some actions by Palestine Action could be classified as terrorism, the overall nature and scale of the group's activities did not warrant a terrorist designation. The court emphasized that existing criminal laws were sufficient to address any unlawful activities without resorting to a blanket ban. The ruling has led to uncertainty for over 2,700 individuals arrested for supporting Palestine Action, many of whom face charges under the Terrorism Act.

JURIST

The ban on Palestine Action was implemented in July 2025 following a series of direct-action protests, including vandalism at RAF Brize Norton, where activists damaged military aircraft. The then Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, justified the ban by citing national security concerns and the need to protect public safety. However, the High Court found that Cooper's decision failed to adhere to the Home Office's own guidelines regarding the proscription of organizations.

The Independent

Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, described the ruling as a "monumental victory" for civil liberties and the Palestinian cause. She criticized the government's attempts to maintain the ban, arguing that it was an unlawful infringement on fundamental rights. In contrast, Shabana Mahmood, the current Home Secretary, expressed disappointment with the ruling and announced plans to appeal, asserting that the group poses a genuine threat.

The Guardian

Critics of the ban, including civil rights advocates and legal experts, have argued that the government's actions represent an overreach of power and a dangerous precedent for the criminalization of protest. Activists have drawn parallels between Palestine Action's direct-action tactics and historical movements for social change, such as the Suffragettes.

Terrorism Ban on Palestine Action Ruled Unlawful by High Court

Despite the High Court's ruling, the ban remains in effect pending the government's appeal, which is scheduled for February 20, 2026. The Metropolitan Police have stated they will cease arrests related to support for Palestine Action but will continue to gather evidence for potential future enforcement. This has left many supporters in a state of legal limbo, with court proceedings for those charged postponed until the appeal is resolved.

The Independent

The implications of this ruling extend beyond Palestine Action, raising questions about the government's approach to civil disobedience and the rights of individuals to protest. As the situation develops, the outcome of the appeal will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics of the government's stance on Palestine Action.

CounterFire

• “monumental victory for both our fundamental freedoms here in Britain and in the struggle for freedom for the Palestinian people” — Huda Ammori, Co-founder of Palestine Action

The Independent

• “I intend to fight this judgment in the Court of Appeal.” — Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary

The Independent

• “In a 46-page ruling, Dame Victoria Sharp, sitting with Mr Justice Swift and Mrs Justice Steyn, concluded: "We are satisfied that the decision to proscribe Palestine Action was disproportionate.” — Dame Victoria Sharp, High Court Judge

The Independent

• “It is a disgrace that support for Palestine Action can mean 14 years in prison.” — Raj Chada, Lawyer

The Guardian

While the High Court ruling has been celebrated by supporters of Palestine Action, the government maintains that the group poses a legitimate threat, a point that remains contested. The Home Office has not publicly disclosed the specific evidence that informed the original decision to ban the group, leading to calls for transparency regarding the justification for the proscription. The outcome of the upcoming appeal will be crucial in determining the future of Palestine Action and the legal landscape surrounding protest rights in the UK.

JURIST